Order Only Private message to Hermione

[alt_draco]

Do you anticipate that you'll be working with Snape on the sleepers all weekend? Because I was thinking it's high time we head out to Westcliff-on-Sea and search Madam Bumbridge's old house. Not that I'm particularly looking forward to pawing through her pink belongings, but it's something that needs to be done, I reckon.

But I don't want to disturb you if you think you can't spare the time. I'll ask Tonks or Sirius if they're up for it.

Comments

[alt_hermione]

Oh, no, was Ragnik really horrid because you were alone? Sorry. Only these regressions were somewhat time-sensitive, but I think we're almost there.

Yes, I'll be able to come this weekend. You're right, we've been putting it off but we really should take care of it, and we might as well do it while we're waiting to be able to attempt Gringott's. It'll be good practice.

[alt_draco]

Oh, no. The wee bloke was no trouble at all. We had tea and talked about American Witches. He's a fan, you know. Not so much a fan of me, but not everyone can have Arista Selwyn's enthusiasm and good taste.

Alright, brilliant. That part of England's pretty this time of year, actually. It'll be nice to see it again.

[alt_hermione]

I didn't know you've read American Witches. Did you read the one where Becki died? (I don't know why they insist on spelling people's names so oddly, do you?) Well, anyway, I had to stop after that one. People just don't behave that way when someone they know dies. And we ought to know. I know, they're only fantasies but--

Oh. Wait. You were making fun, weren't you.

Sorry. We've been keeping really mad hours, I think I'm just quite tired.

Right, well, what do we know about the house?

[alt_draco]

I asked to borrow the first few from you back when we were still at Hogwarts. But I'm not surprised you've forgotten. That was more or less a lifetime ago, wasn't it?

Anyway, I read them for how rubbish they are. And yeah, I was taking the mick a bit, though Ragnik really has read American Witches, and when I bring them up it's the only time he seems keen to converse with me.

She inherited the house from her father, who died while she was still at Hogwarts, apparently. Really small, from the sounds of it. Well, "modest sized" is what someone who didn't grow up in a Manor would call it. Which means we should be able to get through it in a single day. Which is just as well since I don't fancy having to spend days on end there. And you've got important work to return to, besides.

[alt_hermione]

I didn't think you had actually read them, though. Well, anyway.

I hope it'll only take a day. You might be surprised what some people can cram into a modest-sized house. I mean, is it as big as Grimmauld? Think how much was here before everyone started clearing it out. And I don't imagine anyone's bothered to look through any of her things at all (I mean, that's the only reason it's worth going to have a look in the first place, right?).

I don't suppose we could simply stand in the foyer and say, 'Accio anything interesting or important' and have that work.

Do we know anything about whether she warded the place at all?

[alt_draco]

Based on what I've researched it's likely quite a bit smaller than Grimmauld. Maybe three bedrooms and a study, with a carriage house out back. Thing is, however much she owns, we can count on the place being well-ordered. Bumbridge would want everything in its designated place, no exceptions. And the house will definitely be warded, unless skilled thieves with wands somehow broke in, which I doubt.

And no, I'm afraid we'll actually have to touch her belongings. So bring gloves, and extra gloves. Make sure they're not pink.

[alt_hermione]

And antiseptic, I suppose.

Now I remember why we've been putting it off.

[alt_draco]

I gave you your chance to back out. Now you're stuck with me.

But at least we'll get to have a look at the sea.